German Dual Citizenship After the 2024 Reform

Germany's nationality rules changed significantly when the Act to Modernize Nationality Law took effect on June 27, 2024. The reform removed one of the biggest obstacles US applicants faced: the long-standing expectation that acquiring another nationality meant losing German citizenship. Dual citizenship is now broadly accepted, which reshapes the calculus for Americans exploring a claim through their German heritage.

What the Reform Changed

Under the new framework, people no longer need special permission to keep an existing nationality when they become German, and those born in Germany with multiple nationalities are no longer forced to choose one by adulthood. Importantly for families, individuals who gave up German citizenship in the past specifically to take another nationality can now seek to reclaim it and keep both.

Claiming German Citizenship by Descent

If at least one of your parents was a German citizen, you may already be German by direct descent. Claims through a more distant ancestor, such as a grandparent or great-grandparent, are generally limited to a specific historical situation: where an ancestor lost German citizenship between January 30, 1933 and May 8, 1945 due to Nazi persecution. That restitution route flows from Article 116 of Germany's Basic Law and reaches their descendants.

The Residency Route, Briefly

Separately from descent, the reform also eased naturalization for people who actually live in Germany, shortening the usual residence requirement and keeping conditions such as language ability and a citizenship test. This route is distinct from descent and is most relevant to applicants who have relocated rather than those claiming from the US.

From the United States you apply through the German mission with jurisdiction over your state, drawn from the network of consulates general and the embassy in Washington, D.C. This article is general information, not legal advice, and your eligibility depends on the details of your family history. Run the free eligibility check to see your path.